NARS Foreplay Palette for Sephora

NARS Cosmetics has introduced a blush palette that you will love!  The quad features shades based on one of its bestsellers -- Orgasm -- a sheer peachy pink blush. Foreplay includes a matte peach blush, a matte pink blush, a gold highlighter and, of course, the ever-popular Orgasm. Whether you use a solo shade or blend together for a flushed glow, a lust-worthy complexion is guaranteed.  You can find the NARS Foreplay palette at Sephora  or their online store/$49.

Waterproof, Tear Proof & Goof Proof

June is upon us...Graduations and weddings are sure to bring tears of joy to our eyes. And hours romping in the ocean mist are sure to melt away our makeup. But this concoction, BARE ESCENTUALS I.D. WEATHER EVERYTHING LINER SEALER is like a sealant. The light clear liquid actually transforms ordinary eye makeup into makeup that won't come off til you take it off. That means eye shadow and eyeliner stay put. So you can go outside and sing in the rain if you want to or watch your favorite heart-wrenching love story. It's the secret to a tear-proof, smudge-proof, and sweat proof look!

Small Changes...Big Impact

Simple realistic ways to revamp your look...forgo the full color trends for spring/summer makeup for one day. Try these quick tips for a refreshing change...

1. Sculpt sexy cheekbones with a matte bronzer for a supermodel-esque effect. Fill the hollows of your cheeks with the bronzer (circa 80's) and then soften the effect with a light dusting of shimmer powder at the tops of your cheeks. Check out Physician's Formula to find one that's right for you.

2. Put the focus on all your features with just one shade. Dab a pale peach shimmer cream shadow on lids, a peach/coral blush on cheeks like MAC's Hipness from their newest collection, To The Beach and a super sheer peach gloss on lips. Complete the look with a black/brown mascara. Trade the peach color for a sweet rosy shade for a demure flush. Or make a strong statement with "pretty in pink" cheeks and lips. Lightly brush and blend a strong, bright pink color onto the apples of your cheeks like MAKE UP FOR EVER Blush in Fuchsia NO. 26. Add a shiny, shimmery candy pink gloss to pack a punch! Monochromatic makeup can be pretty.

3. Finally, for a night out, try a look straight from the runway. Add gloss to your lids. Stroke on a neutral shadow, then smear lip balm or clear gloss right on top. Gives ordinary shadow extra WOW. Feeling bold and edgy, replace the beige shadow with a grey one like COVER GIRL Smoky Shadow Blast Eye Color in Onyx. The texture change is really cool!

(picture courtesy of makeuptalk.com)

Mascara Madness -- May 29th!

Lush lashes! Thick lashes! Dramatically full and plumped up!

We gals like to speak with our eyes....They tell our story. Of innocence. Sexiness. Confidence. Yeah, we can play them up in oh so many ways!

NORDSTROM invites you to do just that at the "Mascara Madness!" event. An in-store and online exclusive where you buy two mascaras and get one free. Choose from luxurious brands like CHANEL, M.A.C., DIOR, LANCOME, YSL, BOBBI BROWN and ESTEE LAUDER! Note: It's not any and all mascaras. From each of these brands, the best selling mascara is featured in the promo: MAC Plush Lash Mascara, DIORSHOW and LANCOME Definicils to name a few. A very special deal at select stores and online this Saturday May 29th. Just in time for your SATC soiree! So head to your mall, go online or call 1.800.933.3365. In the blink of an eye, it will be over.

Take It All Off!

We've heard it more than enough times: It is crucial to clear skin that all makeup is removed at the end of the day. But sometimes, we may not feel like standing over a wash basin and going through the formalities of our cleansing routine. I've got an easy solution for you.

BIORE Makeup Removing Towelettes

For under $10, you get a quick, thorough, effective clean that dissolves oil and dirt. Leaves your face free of makeup. Removes even the most stubborn eye liner AND waterproof mascara with one swipe, yet it's gentle on the eyes! Infused with green tea extracts, coconut water, and vitamin E and it's free of artificial dyes. One easy step to a fresh clean face in a resealable pouch sounds good to me!

Stila Waterproof Liners

STILA Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liners are phenomenal!

If you like the STILA Smudge Pots, you'll love the versatility of the liner -- you can smudge the color all over your lid for a stay-put shimmery shadow. You have a few minutes to work with it before it dries down. Or you can rim your eyes for a sultry inky intensity that lasts as long as you do!

• Highly pigmented for strong color deposit!
• Waterproof for staying power!
• Eight vibrant colors!
• Packaged in a thin retractable tube!

It may be hard to choose just one shade. Go with non-traditional colors. My recommendations: Blue Ribbon, Purple Tang and Moray (golden olive) for full color impact ($20 each at Sephora stores).

A Little Bit of Glow

For a hint of color without the damaging rays of the sun, try New JERGENS natural glow. Not only does it give you a sexy hint of color, it temporarily tightens as it tans. The moisturizer has 50% more antioxidants and Vitamin E than before. It gradually creates a natural color with subtle darkening agents. Features an exclusive anti-cellulite Firm Perfecting Complex with ginseng, collagen and elastin for healthy looking skin. Supposedly reduces the appearance of cellulite in as little as 7 days -- almost like a guarantee for firmer, visibly tighter skin. I may have to give this one a try. If you do, please let me know.

I keep NARS Body Glow around for a taste of the islands. Infused with coconut extract, it smells amazing. The multi-purpose beauty oil smooths and moisturizes the skin with a bit of chocolate shimmer. Or you might try SCOTT BARNES Body Bling.

NOTE: Dab a touch of highlighter down the center of each leg for a slimming effect.

Are You Brow Beaten?

Finding the perfect eyebrow shape is a bit difficult sometimes. A few of my makeup artist friends are completely obsessed with brows! I understand their passion. Well-shaped brows play an essential role in our look and are a real focal point since they add expression. The right shape and density are equally important. Honestly, neat groomed brows frame the face even when you're not wearing makeup. Fortunately, there are guidelines to assist!

• Options range from waxing, plucking, threading, sugaring, stenciling (ANASTASIA kits come complete with an instructional video), tattooing, and even transplants!


• Invest in a good pair of tweezers. TWEEZERMAN sharpens them for free.


• Prefer to DIY? Fill BOTH brows with pencil or brow powder in the desired shape. Factor in the natural arch of your brow or consult a professional to start you off.


• Remember growing in sparse hairs is a slow process. If you're a victim of over plucking or waxing, you can bang it out (see pix at right). A bang hides an overzealous "brow grooming" session.

• Pluck stray hairs between brow sessions. Adds polish and makes for a cleaner fuller shape.


• Brow gel keeps the strays in place. I like MAYBELLINE's Define-A-Brow. It's safe for sensitive eyes and is not at all gooey.

I AM a fan of the brow gel but I also love M.A.C.'s self-sharpening brow pencil in Stud to add definition and shape. For a softer look, I fill in the brow with a #208 angled brow brush also from M.A.C. Cosmetics for precision.

Beauty Makes Sense to Me

Beauty isn't all about a pretty face and chic clothes. Beauty engages all the senses.

• SIGHT: Vivid eye shadows are truly eye-catching. MAKE-UP FOREVER palettes are vibrant and highly pigmented which means they truly last! Choose from matte or semi-matte textures with iridescent sheen. I like Copper 54 for summer.


• SMELL: Delicious aromas appeal to our sense of smell. MICHAEL KORS VERY HOLLYWOOD EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY ($85) has an old Hollywood glamour with art deco diamonds cut right into the glass bottle. Notes of mandarin, jasmine and ylang-ylang linger after a quick spritz.


• TOUCH: Hop out the shower and rub on JOHNSON's BABY OIL GEL with ALOE VERA & VITAMIN E to lock in moisture. The aloe is really soothing and Vitamin E is a great skin conditioner. I even put a little in my bath...Leaves skin glowing!


• TASTE: Some lipwares tease our taste buds like MAYBELLINE's SHINE SENSATIONAL LIP GLOSS. These tasty glosses come in 18 shades, are moisturizing, and non-sticky! Try Glamorous Guava or Cocoa Fever for luscious shine.


• SOUND: Listen up here for a free online tutorial from M.A.C. artists who can help with just about any beauty blunder. They show you how to master current trends and even offer a guide to applying lashes!

Got A Minute?

That's all you need... 60 seconds or less! Quick beauty tips when you're short on time.

• Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks for an instant face brightener with a fluffy brush. Looks like an innocent flush of color! Who doesn't love that?
• Lipstick stays put if you base it with a liner in the same color. Fill in your lips with the pencil and apply a creamy lipstick directly on top for full color impact. Results: HOT LIPS!
• Want to look as if you spent the day at the beach? Swipe bronzer all over with a full brush. Be sure to brush it onto your earlobes and lightly on your neck for a completely natural look if you're pulling your hair back.
• Sweep taupe (yes, taupe) shadow over your eyelids for a wide-awake look (color seemingly zaps redness)! Add navy or liner for definition and shape. Go from day to night in a flash with a touch of shimmery beige shadow at the inner corner to brighten the look.
• Apply a metallic shadow to the lid and inner corners of your eyes. Results? Won't be able to ignore your sultry gaze!
• Get your punk on! Coordinate your makeup and accessories for a pulled together look. Pair vampy red lips with a patent red clutch. Gold eye shadow with big gold hoops. And hot pink lips with funky fuchsia booties! Loves it.

Free Stuff at ALLURE.com!

Allure Magazine is giving away free products! What's really special is that you can't buy these two products before June. The first 500 Allure readers to sign up at noon EDT...

....on Wednesday May 5th, can win:
NIA 24 Rapid Exfoliating Serum: a leave-on, plant-based exfoliating treatment that sloughs off dead cells. Prickly pear and willow bark extracts help stimulate natural exfoliation enzymes while Pro-Niacin works within cells to generate healthier skin and improve cell turnover. Won't irritate skin with abrasive ingredients. Reduces rough dry patches that clog pores and dulls skin's appearance. Improves overall texture, brightens tone, and reduces pigmentation.

On Thursday May 7th, you can win:
AVON Perfect Wear ExtraLasting Lip Gloss: New to the Perfect Wear line and a lot like the long-wear lipstick...this transfer resistant shimmery gloss has much more staying power than other long-wear glosses. In Eternal Rose, it's a shade that flatters most!

Product goes pretty quickly so click the link to get Allure online at NOON!

MAC Superglass: For the Super Sexy Only!

MAC amps up gloss once again! On May 6, the brand introduces us to the uber sexy Superglass. It's nine glosses even more blinged-out than the super-sparkly Dazzleglass with “snowflake-shaped helicone pearls” giving us more sparkle and shine without the grit! A light aroma of vanilla enhances kissability...So worth investigating!


*Superflash (mid-tone yellow-pink)
*Sweet Tart (pale baby pink)
*Sugar Overload (white-beige)
*Disco Blend (light tan)
*Gift Wrap (light pinky peach)
*Cherry Electric (bright cherry pink)
*Totally Bang (fuchsia)
*Fab Frenzy (deep blue-purple)
*Tunnel of Love (deep blue-brown)


P.S. It's limited edition!

NARS 2010 Summer Collection

"I designed the makeup to bring a natural-looking glow to the skin, while allowing women to have fun with color. After all, summer is a playful season, nothing should be too complicated!" - François Nars

The NARS Summer Collection/2010 is beautiful...The launch was inspired by "Belle de Jour" (1967 film) with Catherine Deneuve, a French beauty. In my opinion, it's a tribute to the tropics. From the beautiful Burn It Blue eye shadow duo to the new Lamu Multiple, together it's the perfect compliment to sun-kissed skin. Enchanted, the peachy cream blush, creates a luminous complexion complimenting most any skin tone. You can pretty up pedicures with Versailles nail polish -- a soft champagne/gold shade. It's a seasonal opportunity you shouldn't miss...it IS limited edition and in stores now!

SEPHORA News

The bright ad in Sephora on 5th Ave caught my eye showcasing their newest launch: the SEPHORA COLLECTION Color Play - 5 in 1 Color . It's a five palette kit that interchanges featuring eye, lip and cheek color. Colors range from soft neutrals to vibrant hues. Each fits into a portable compact too. The new formula promises strong color payoff and long wear! You can always use a primer to ensure color stays put. If you want to experiment with looks, this limited edition set is for you. A $150 value for $29.50 at stores or online. All online orders receive a beauty bonus -- a free Peter Thomas Roth botanical facial scrub or whatever you choose.

Calling in the BALM Squad

I've been getting inquiries about lip color causing chapped lips and discoloration. I suffer the same problem when I forget to use my trusty lip balm under my gloss. Usually, I apply just enough balm to coat my lips. I want to ensure the color deposits without sliding off.

THE CAUSE: Dry, chapped lips are caused by exposure to the elements, reactions to cosmetic ingredients, medication, dehydration, or repetitive licking of the lips (think LL COOL J).

THE SOLUTION: Go for lip balms that have a high content of natural oils and beeswax. Petroleum-based balms are good too. Those with added sunscreen serve to protect delicate skin. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and maybe consider a humidifier for the bedroom.

THE SOOTHERS:
* NIVEA's A Kiss of Protection Lip Care with SPF 30 $2.49 @ drugstore.com.
* CLARKS Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Balm with jasmine oil @ C.O. Bigelow/$19.
* CARMEX Fresh Mint Lip Balm - cooling classic balm for $1.49 @ local drugstores.
* FRESH Sugar Lip Treatment was voted THE "Best Lip Balm" in ALLURE Magazine-October 2009/Best of Beauty. Worth trying to me!

THE ORGANICS:
* DR. BRONNER & SUN DOG's Magic Organic Lip Balm in Naked for $3 @ dr.bronner.com and
* BADGER Lip Balm "blends organic extra-virgin oils, waxes, exotic butters, herbal extracts & pure essential oils." Free of synthetics,
parabens and chemicals.

TRY: BADGER BALM Cocoa Butter Lip Balm/3 Pack: the long lasting balm contains sweet orange peel extract, cocoa butter and extract of dark roasted Arabica Coffee Beans...keeping lips moisturized and soothed for a good, long time! The trio is only $13 at badgerbalm.com.

Big M.A.C. Exclusives

MAC Opulash is here! With comparisons to DIORshow mascara, it offers dramatic density, curls and claims 15 hours of wear (contains natural beeswax). I tried it and was impressed. My lashes were actually thicker and longer! In Bad, Bad Black, it's a promise to "big, fat, bouffant lashes" for $14.

MAC essentials are now altogether in a set: the Lashed & Lined Kit ($57 value) is $40:
* Pro Eye Makeup Remover (trial size)
* Technakohl Graph Black Eye Liner
* Prep+Prime Lash
* Zoom Lash Black Mascara

These four items come in a clear makeup case and is great for travel.
The two specials are exclusive to NORDSTROM and are available for a limited time only.

What's In Your Makeup Bag?

I have a personal checklist of what goes in my carryall each time I switch them. Wallet, hand cream, comb, (check) tissue, gum, flashlight (check-don't ask), water, and my MAC makeup bag. Yes, I need all of the aforementioned items. But I REALLY must have the items in that little black case. Currently, it holds:

* a pair of contact lenses
* Blistex
* L'Oreal Wear Infinite Waterproof Eyeliner in Black
* MAC 219 Pencil Brush
* MAC Cremesheen Glass in Richer, Lusher
* MAC Lipgelee in Dewy Jube
* MAC Bronzing Powder in Refined Beyond Bronze
* MAC Mineralize Blush in Dainty
* Sonia Kashuk Travel Blusher Brush
* NARS Dual Ended Lip Gloss in Giza/Boogie Nights
* Tom Ford Black Orchid spritzer and
* a mirror

Of course, I trade some products for different shades but essentially, that's everything. If you want a splash of color, the Liberty of London is the MAC Makeup Bag for you...it has a vinyl protective coating that makes it easy to clean. ($25 at MACcosmetics.com) For easy touch-ups and a cute compact case, check out the JAPONESQUE PROFESSIONAL SET. Contains five brushes in a take-anywhere tube. ($19 @ Ulta.com).

Now, it's your turn...Tell me what's in YOUR makeup bag?